Couple dies at home

Husband, wife electrocuted

Robert Gepner, 74, of Kenai, and his wife, Natalie Gepner, 71, were electrocuted outside their Kenai home Monday.

According to a press release issued late Monday, the Kenai Police and Fire departments responded to Baker Street at about 8 p.m. when they found the couple at the rear of a boom truck they owned.

Police found the boom on the truck was elevated and close to the electrical line.

An investigation at the scene determined electricity flowed from the wire to the boom and electrocuted Robert Gepner, who was touching the truck. Natalie Gepner, who was found close to her husband, was electrocuted, as well.

Joe Gallagher, a spokesperson for the Homer Electric Association, said the company responded to the scene to de-energize the electrical line at police request, but because the case is still under investigation, he couldn't elaborate any further.

"All we can say is we'll assist the police in whatever way possible," he said, encouraging people to direct further questions to the Kenai Police Department.